February 9, 2018 9:23am ESTFebruary 9, 2018 9:23am ESTAthletes from North and South Korea presented a united front as the opening ceremony kicked off Pyeongchang 2018 in spectacular fashion on Saturday (AEDT).The opening ceremony to Pyeongchang 2018(Getty Images)

Harry West

Published on Feb. 9, 2018

Feb. 9, 2018

Athletes from North and South Korea presented a united front as the opening ceremony kicked off Pyeongchang 2018 in spectacular fashion on Saturday (AEDT).

The host nation's stance on welcoming their neighbours from the north to this year's Winter Games was hailed by the IOC as the embodiment of the Olympic spirit.

With Kim Yo-jong - sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un - in attendance, the ceremony passed in a blaze of dazzling light displays, accompanied with hundreds of choreographed dancers and the traditional entry of competitors from each participating country.

The last team out were the Koreans, with athletes from north and south of the border entering the arena together under a united flag, prompting a huge cheer from the crowd.

That moment was certainly the abiding image of a ceremony which provided no shortage of highlights.

The unified Korea team have arrived to @PyeongChang2018! An historic moment for Bobsleigher, Won Yun-jong and ice hockey player, Hwang Chung-gum.

IOC president Thomas Bach addressed the stadium, calling on all at the Games to take inspiration from what they had just witnessed.

"A great example of this unifying power is the joint march here tonight of the two teams from the National Olympic Committees of the Republic of Korea and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea," Bach said.

"We thank you. All the athletes around me, all the spectators here in the stadium, and all Olympic fans watching around the world… we are all touched by this wonderful gesture. We all join and support you in your message of peace."